TOPEKA — Three Kansas schools have been designated as State Schools of Character by Character.org, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to ensuring young people are ethical and engaged citizens.

The recognition is given though the Kansas Schools of Character Recognition Program. Sponsoring organizations are the Topeka City of Character, Character.org, the Kansas State Department of Education and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site.

The three Kansas schools are Lincoln Elementary School, Clay County Unified School District 379; Kiowa County Elementary and Junior High School, Kiowa County USD 422; and Valley Center Intermediate School, Valley Center USD 262.

Character.org named 66 schools and four districts from 16 states as State Schools of Character for 2016.

Character.org and its state affiliates each year select schools and districts that demonstrate a dedicated focus on character development that has a true positive impact on academic achievement, student behavior and school climate.

Schools that are designated as a State School of Character will be considered for national recognition as a National School of Character.

“This is more than just recognition for a school’s hard work,” said Sue Kidd, coordinator of the Kansas Character Development Initiative. “It ties so closely to the Kansans Can initiative.”

The Kansas State Board of Education in October announced its new Kansans Can vision for education in Kansas — Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

“On our statewide listening tour, Kansans told us that character and ‘soft skills’ were important skills to have as adults,” said Dr. Randy Watson, Kansas Commissioner of Education. “That is why the State Board made those skills front and center of their new vision for education. Congratulations to Kiowa County, Lincoln and Valley Center for their commitment to developing character in students and on achieving this outstanding award!"

The three Kansas State Schools of Character will be honored May 6 at the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka. It will be announced at the ceremony whether any of the three Kansas schools were selected as a 2016 National School of Character.